Happy Birthday Rani Mukerji: Top 10 roles of the Bengali beauty

Happy Birthday Rani Mukerji: Top 10 roles of the Bengali beauty

'Black' (2005): You think of Rani, and the first movie that comes to mind is 'Black'. The nuances of the blind, mute and deaf girl that Rani caught and played could be done by nobody else. She made Michelle McNally her own.

'Mardaani' (2014): Rani Mukerji's last release 'Mardaani' outshone many male-centric movies. Such was the dynamism with which Rani played Shivani Shivaji Rao, that she was honoured and awarded at most of the events and ceremonies of 2014.

'Hum Tum' (2004): Another slew of awards fell into Rani's kitty, when she played the vivacious and fun-loving Rhea Prakash in Kunal Kohli's 'Hum Tum'. Bubbly, intelligent, stylish and yet with a good head on her shoulders, Ria was endearing and 'home' to the wanderlust Karan played by Saif Ali Khan. She also showed a mature distinct side of herself in the film when she essayed the role of a widow. Her crackling chemistry with Saif made the film a huge hit.

'Bunty Aur Babli' (2005): Rani's 'Babli' in 'Bunty Aur Babli' was connivingly cute. Conniving, for she conned people to earn a living, and cute because she was adorably cute in the movie. Her chemistry with Abhishek Bachchan was yet another high point of the movie.

'Veer Zaara' (2004): Rani Mukerji's portrayal of the young and wise lawyer Saamiya Siddiqui in the 2004 release 'Veer Zara' won hearts and awards alike. She was restrained yet powerful in her act.

'Saathiya' (2002): One of her earliest movies, 'Saathiya' showed Rani Mukerji in a light that took her to new heights. Rani played the role of Suhani Sharma opposite Vivek Oberoi. The film, which was a remake of Tamil film Alaipayuthey, told the tale of how a couple passionately in love with each other elope from home to be together.

'Yuva' (2004): Another iconic performance by Rani Mukerji in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Yuva’, where she played the role of a Bengali housewife while her husband Abhishek Bachchan was a goon in the film. Also starring Ajay Devgn, Esha Deol, Vivek Oberoi, Kareena Kapoor, Om Puri and Sonu Sood, ‘Yuva’ became a huge box office success. Rani walked away with the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress that year.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' (1998): Rani is well remembered for her role as the sizzling hot Tina in Karan Johar’s blockbuster ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ along with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. Her performance as the sweet, sexy and sophisticated principal's daughter who falls in love with the popular guy in college, earned her the first recognition of an 'actress'.

'No One Killed Jessica' (2011): Based on the real-life murder of Jessica Lal, Rajkumar Gupta’s ‘No One Killed Jessica’ featured Rani in the role of a feisty, determined news reporter, Meera Gaity, who helps the victim’s sister played by Vidya Balan get justice. The film was well-received and earned Rani rave reviews for the portrayal of the character.

'Laga Chunari Mein Daag': 'Laga Chunari Mein Daag' might have been a disaster at the Box Office but you can't overlook Rani Mukerji's portrayal of the jilted Vibhavari Sahay in this Pradeep Sarkar movie. Revolving around two small-town sisters having a hard time adjusting to life in the big city, this movie is worth a watch just for Rani.